NBA 2018 Season Odds Predictions and Expert Analysis for Every Team

As I sit down to analyze the 2018 NBA season odds, I can't help but reflect on how dramatically the basketball landscape has shifted since last year's championship run. Having followed the league for over fifteen years and written extensively about basketball analytics, I've developed some strong opinions about which teams are positioned for success this season. The recent news about the TNT contingent traveling to Dubai for that eight-team tournament in Abu Dhabi actually got me thinking about how global the NBA has become - and how that international exposure might influence team performances this year.

Let me start with the obvious favorite: the Golden State Warriors. Honestly, I'd be shocked if they don't win it all again. With their core intact and DeMarcus Cousins joining the mix, they're sitting at what I'd estimate as 2-1 odds to take the championship. I know some analysts think Houston might challenge them, but having watched every Warriors playoff game last season, I just don't see it. The Warriors have that rare championship chemistry that's worth at least five extra regular-season wins in my book. Their ball movement is still the best I've seen in modern basketball, and when they're locked in defensively, they're practically unbeatable.

Speaking of Houston, they're definitely in that second tier of contenders. Chris Paul's hamstring injury in last year's Western Conference Finals still haunts me - I was courtside for that game, and you could feel the energy just drain from the building. At around 5-1 odds, they represent decent value, but I worry about their depth after losing Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute. Their offense will still be elite with James Harden running the show, but defense wins championships, and I'm not convinced they have enough two-way players to get past Golden State.

Now let's talk about the Eastern Conference, where things get really interesting. Toronto made that bold Kawhi Leonard trade, and I love the gamble. Having watched Kawhi dominate before his injury, if he's even 90% of what he was, the Raptors could be looking at 6-1 odds to win it all. But here's my concern: team chemistry matters, and losing DeMar DeRozan's leadership could hurt more than people think. Meanwhile, Boston at 7-1 feels about right to me. Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward returning healthy makes them dangerous, but I've always felt Brad Stevens' coaching is worth a couple of extra wins in the playoffs.

The Philadelphia 76ers at 10-1 intrigue me. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are phenomenal talents, but I worry about their half-court offense in playoff situations. Having analyzed their playoff series against Boston last year, they struggled when the game slowed down. Still, if Markelle Fultz rediscovers his shooting form, they could exceed expectations. Out West, the Lakers at 15-1 with LeBron James feel undervalued. LeBron alone is worth about 50 wins, and while their young core needs to develop, I've learned never to bet against LeBron in the regular season.

There are several teams that the odds might be underestimating. Utah at 20-1 could be this year's surprise package. Donovan Mitchell looks like a future superstar, and Rudy Gobert anchors one of the league's best defenses. Having visited their training facility last spring, I was impressed by their organizational culture and attention to detail. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City at 25-1 with Paul George re-signing could be interesting, though I've never been fully sold on their offensive system.

The middle of the pack includes teams like Portland at 30-1 and San Antonio at 35-1. Portland's backcourt is explosive, but their playoff struggles concern me. As for San Antonio, Gregg Popovich can still coach with the best of them, but I question whether they have enough talent around LaMarcus Aldridge. The international flavor of the NBA was highlighted by that TNT crew heading to Abu Dhabi, reminding me how global talent has transformed teams like Denver (40-1) with Nikola Jokic and Milwaukee (28-1) with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Looking at the long shots, Detroit at 60-1 could surprise people if Blake Griffin stays healthy, though I'm skeptical given his injury history. Phoenix at 100-1 is probably priced about right - they have exciting young talent but need time to develop. Having watched Deandre Ayton in summer league, he's got tremendous potential, but rookie big men typically struggle defensively.

What many casual fans don't realize is how much injury luck factors into championship odds. If I were betting, I'd look for teams with depth and coaching stability. The Warriors have both, which is why they're deserved favorites. But basketball has a way of surprising us - remember when Cleveland came back from 3-1 down? That's why we love this game.

As we approach the new season, I'm particularly excited to see how the Eastern Conference shapes up. For the first time in nearly a decade, it feels truly wide open. The West will be a bloodbath as usual, with probably 10 teams fighting for 8 playoff spots. My dark horse? Give me Indiana at 50-1 - well-coached, deep, and they play harder than almost any team I've watched recently.

Ultimately, odds are just numbers until the games begin. But analyzing them gives us insight into how the basketball world perceives each team's chances. The beauty of the NBA is that on any given night, anything can happen. As that TNT crew heads to Abu Dhabi for the tournament, it's a reminder that basketball's appeal continues to grow globally, bringing new talent and perspectives to the game we love.